Exercise Ball

Vigorous Low Impact Conditioning for Rehabilitation

Ben Parr — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:23:40 -0700

In addition to stretching and strengthening exercises, regular aerobic conditioning 9-12 weeks after lumbar fusion surgery is also important to help the fusion set up well. Regular aerobic exercise, even if it is just walking at a brisk pace for at least twenty minutes, will increase blood flow and oxygen. It will also burn excess calories, thus maintaining weight and preventing added stress on the back structures and surgical site.

Beginning Exercise Program on an Exercise Ball

Ben Parr — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:45:30 -0700

Beginning an exercise program with an exercise ball should begin with stretches and learning simple exercise ball routines.

Beginning exercise ball stretches

There are several stretches that are easy to do when starting to use an exercise ball. Importantly, these stretching exercises help with proprioception, or the sense of the position or parts of the body relative to the rest of the body, and with balance. Each of these stretches should be done slowly 8 to 12 times.

Abdominal Exercises

Ben Parr — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:58:52 -0800

To be most effective, abdominal exercises should include focus on working the following muscles:

The abdominal muscles
The lower abdominal muscles
The outside (oblique) muscles

Pelvic Tilt—Lie on floor with knees bent, feet parallel and arms to the side

Back Exercises

Ben Parr — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:58:49 -0800

Like stomach exercises, back exercises can be done on a mat and in water, and can incorporate different types of equipment, such as an exercise ball.

Prone Arm/Leg Raises—Lie on stomach keeping neck in line with straight legs, and arms outstretched overhead.

Moving from Static to Dynamic Exercises

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:08 -0800

After the initial 6-week recuperation period when the focus is on getting back to feeling good, more advanced exercise should be added to strengthen the back structures and increase overall fitness. Patients can add more rigor and variety to their routines by using an exercise ball or resistance bands. The exact timing of when a surgeon will recommend adding dynamic exercises is dependent on both the quality of stability achieved at surgery and the surgeon’s own personal preference.

Exercise Ball Precautions

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:35 -0800

More Physical Therapy Info

Exercise Ball Therapy

Physical Therapy Benefits

Rehabilitation and Exercise

Core Strength Exercises

What is Physiatry?

Exercise Ball Uses

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:35 -0800

The numerous applications of the exercise ball follow a range of difficulty levels, and the benefits for back pain patients can be felt at each level. From merely sitting on the exercise ball to doing structured aerobic exercise routines, the basic support needed by the back and stomach muscles are the same.

For a person with low back pain, the exercise ball can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Find neutral spine position
Learn proper posture
Increase lumbar (low back) mobility
read more

Exercise Ball Therapy for Lower Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:35 -0800

Exercise ball introduction

The exercise ball - also called a Swiss ball or physio ball - is a conservative back exercise treatment option for back pain sufferers and is designed to help prevent further episodes of low back pain as part of a rehabilitation program. The exercise ball is effective in rehabilitation of the back because it helps strengthen and develop the core body muscles that help to stabilize the spine.

Swiss Ball Exercises

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:35 -0800

The exercise ball (or Swiss ball or physio ball) is a versatile piece of exercise equipment available to help people with back pain. In particular, many Swiss ball exercises are designed to bring movement to the spine in a controlled manner to help keep the discs nourished. Moving the vertebrae helps nourish the discs in the spine by increasing blood flow around the disc and by causing the water to flow in and out of the disc.

Exercise Balls, Home Gym Equipment and the Graston Technique

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:47 -0800

Thomas Hyde, DC

How to Start an Exercise Ball Program

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:46 -0800

Core muscle strength is goal of exercise ball workout

Many treatment programs for low back pain incorporate use of an exercise ball to strengthen the core muscles in the stomach and back that support the spine. Exercise ball exercises clearly work and have been adopted in non-rehabilitation exercise programs by athletes and fitness buffs looking to cross-train and strengthen their core muscles. Other terms for exercise ball are stability ball and fitness ball.

Choosing the Right Exercise Ball

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:45 -0800

More Exercise Info

Overview: Sciatica Exercises

Exercise and Back Pain

Stretching and Back Pain

Strength Exercises

Abdominal Exercises

Office Chair: Ergonomic Chair Alternatives to Traditional Office Chairs

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:01:29 -0800

As an alternative to the more traditional office chair, new styles of ergonomic chairs have been designed to try to create good support, comfort and promote good posture. These chairs may take a little getting used to, but typically become very comfortable over time. Use of these types of ergonomic chairs can be very beneficial for some people with lower back pain or discomfort.

Gift Ideas for Chronic Pain Relief

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:01:29 -0800

Is your fondest wish for the holidays to have some relief from your back pain? Is this the year that you've resolved to exercise regularly? This newsletter can help by outlining some gift ideas designed to help relieve your pain. Whether it's a gift to yourself or you're hinting to your loved ones, these ideas can give your back a happier holiday.